Rare Old Map of Dutch East Indies Airplane Routes by Wijga, 1935: Art Deco, Airline Routes, Cultural Illustrations

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Southeast Asia with this exquisite 1935 art deco map, meticulously crafted by renowned Dutch commercial artist Jan Wijga. This map, titled "Complete Map of the Airlines of K.N.I.L.M., Royal Netherlands Indies Airways," offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of aviation in the Dutch East Indies, now modern-day Indonesia. Highlighting the extensive airline routes of K.N.I.L.M., the Royal Netherlands Indies Airways, this map captures the essence of a bygone era where air travel was a burgeoning industry, connecting distant lands and diverse cultures.

The map's thematic focus on airline routes is both informative and visually captivating. Solid lines represent the existing routes, while dotted lines illustrate the ambitious proposed routes, including amphibious routes to the rural eastern islands of the archipelago. The Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra, a star of the K.N.I.L.M. fleet, is prominently featured, symbolizing the technological advancements and aspirations of the era. This map is not just a navigational tool but a testament to the pioneering spirit of early 20th-century aviation.

Wijga's art deco style brings the map to life with vivid coloration and intricate vignette illustrations of indigenous people, architecture, and wildlife. The Dutch East Indies are highlighted with bold colors, making the region stand out amidst the surrounding seas and lands. The map also features a stylized compass rose in the Pacific Ocean, adding a touch of elegance and aiding in navigation. Each illustration tells a story, offering a visual journey through the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the region.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this map holds significant historical value. It reflects the Dutch colonial influence in Southeast Asia during the 1930s and the strategic importance of the region in global aviation. The routes connecting to Europe via KLM and to the USA via Pan American Airways underscore the interconnectedness of the world even in the early days of commercial aviation. This map is a window into the past, showcasing the development of air travel routes that were instrumental in shaping modern-day transportation networks.

Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It is a perfect addition for collectors, history enthusiasts, or anyone with a passion for cartography and aviation. The map not only serves as a beautiful decorative piece but also as an educational tool, offering insights into the cultural, technological, and geopolitical landscape of the 1930s. Jan Wijga's masterful craftsmanship and the map's rich historical context make it a truly unique and valuable artifact.

Places on this map

• Countries and regions:
• Bangkok
• Darwin, Australia
• Sumatra
• New Guinea
• Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia)
• Cities and towns:
• Bangkok
• Hong Kong
• Saigon
• Singapore
• Medan
• Penang
• Batavia (Jakarta)
• Bandung
• Semarang
• Surabaya
• Makassar
• Bali
• Kupang
• Dili
• Manila
• Iloilo
• Manokwari
• Babo
• Wisselmeren
• Tanah Merah
• Darwin
• Seas and oceans:
• South Chinese Sea
• Java Sea
• Indian Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Banda Sea
• Islands:
• Various islands of the East India archipelago
• Geographical features:
• Mountains
• Rivers
• Forests

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Airline routes:
• Solid lines: Represent existing routes.
• Dotted lines: Represent proposed routes.
• Illustrations:
• Indigenous people: Depicted in traditional attire.
• Architecture: Various buildings and structures from the region.
• Wildlife: Animals native to the region.
• Airplane: Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra.
• Compass rose: Stylized and colorful, located in the Pacific Ocean.
• Geographical features:
• Seas: South Chinese Sea, Java Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Banda Sea.
• Islands: Various islands of the East India archipelago.
• Cities and towns: Names of cities and towns along the airline routes.
• Routes to other regions:
• To Europe: Via KLM.
• To the USA: Via Pan American Airways.
• Artistic elements:
• Vivid coloration: Highlights the Dutch East Indies.
• Vignette illustrations: Add cultural and natural context.
• Historical context:
• Dutch colonial influence: Reflected in the map's focus and design.
• Aviation development: Early 20th-century air travel routes.
• Cultural depictions: Traditional clothing, dances, and local practices.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Complete Map of the Airlines of K.N.I.L.M., Royal Netherlands Indies Airways
• Creation date: 1935
• Mapmaker: Jan Wijga
• Context about the mapmaker: Jan Wijga was a Dutch commercial artist known for his art deco style.
• Themes and topics:
• Infographic thematic map: The map is a visual representation of the airline routes of K.N.I.L.M.
• Art Deco style: The map features vivid colors and vignette illustrations typical of the art deco period.
• Airline routes: Solid lines indicate existing routes, while dotted lines represent proposed routes.
• Illustrations: The map includes depictions of indigenous people, architecture, and wildlife of the Dutch East Indies.
• Airplane: The Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra, a prominent aircraft in the K.N.I.L.M. fleet, is illustrated.
• Regions shown:
• East India archipelago
• Southeast Asia: Includes areas from Bangkok to Darwin, Australia, and from Sumatra to New Guinea.
• Modern-day Indonesia: Highlighted with vivid coloration.
• Design and style:
• Art Deco: The map's design is characterized by bold colors and stylized illustrations.
• Infographic: Conveys information about the airline routes in an illustrative manner.
• Historical significance:
• K.N.I.L.M. (Royal Netherlands Indies Airways): The airline operated from 1928 to 1942, serving the Dutch East Indies.
• Dutch colonial era: The map reflects the colonial presence and infrastructure in Southeast Asia during the 1930s.
• Aviation history: Highlights the development of air travel routes in the region during the early 20th century.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.